House Fly Larva (Maggot)

Decaying organic matter, manure, garbage, and damp areas with food waste

Liquified organic materials and decomposing matter through extra-oral digestion

Rapid growth through three larval stages (instars) before pupating; avoid light and stay buried in food source

Potentially vector pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli; provide ecosystem benefit as decomposers of organic waste